Six Queenslanders named in Wallabies opening Test against France

Mon, Jul 5, 2021, 2:30 AM
Reds Media Unit
by Reds Media Unit

The Wallabies will be bolstered by the inclusion of six Queenslanders for Wednesday night's first eToro Test against France in Brisbane.


Brandon Paenga-Amosa will start at hooker with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto named at lock and Harry Wilson anchoring the scrum at number eight. 

After another damaging Super Rugby season in both attack and defence, Hunter Paisami will wear the number 13 jersey in his seventh Test for Australia.

While on the bench, Taniela Tupou and Tate McDermott will bring plenty of firepower as finishers on the familiar Suncorp Stadium turf. 

Queensland playmaker James O’Connor failed to overcome a groin strain in time for Wednesday's match, with Jordan Petaia and Suliasi Vunivalu still sidelined with injury.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “The whole squad has been training really hard over the past three weeks to prepare for what’s going to be an exciting, tough series against the French.”

“We’ve always selected a side based on earning the right to wear the jersey and this team is no different.

“The whole group is excited to be back playing Test Rugby in front of our families and supporters and we’re looking to start the year with a positive result at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.”

The first match of the three-Test series will see the side wear the new gold jersey for the first time. The strip was voted on by fans and Australian Rugby royalty, reverting to the classic gold colour worn by the 1991 World Cup-winning side.

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek for the 2021 eToro Test Series against France.

The Nine Network and Stan Sport will show every Wallabies Test match LIVE throughout 2021. 

Hospitality packages for the 2021 eToro Test Series are also now on-sale. Fans can enjoy the Test match from the comfort of a premium match day function or private suites to make their experience even more special.

For more information about hospitality packages please call 1800 619 181, email hospitality@rugby.com.au or visit https://australia.rugby/experience/hospitality

Wallabies team to play France at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Wednesday 7 July, 8:00pm AEST

1. James Slipper (100 Tests)
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (8 Tests)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (43 Tests)
4. Matt Philip (9 Tests)
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (25 Tests)
6. Rob Valetini (4 Tests)
7. Michael Hooper (c) (105 Tests)
8. Harry Wilson (6 Tests)
9. Jake Gordon (5 Tests)
10. Noah Lolesio (2 Tests)
11. Marika Koroibete (32 Tests)
12. Matt To’omua (54 Tests)
13. Hunter Paisami (6 Tests)
14. Tom Wright (3 Tests)
15. Tom Banks (11 Tests)

Replacements
16. Lachlan Lonergan*
17. Angus Bell (3 Tests)
18. Taniela Tupou (25 Tests)
19. Darcy Swain*
20. Isi Naisarani (8 Tests)
21. Tate McDermott (2 Tests)

22. Len Ikitau*
23. Andrew Kellaway*

*denotes uncapped
Share
Test backrow battle looms large ahead of QLD-ACT double header in Brisbane
Alby Taylor at a presentation of the Hammond-Taylor Shield with former Wests captain Jeremiah Lynch.
Vale Alan “Alby” Taylor
Western Force stun Queensland Reds to open account in 2024
Force secure historic win over Reds to move into second spot